I am so happy.. I got First Place in the Ghirardelli CHocolate Bake off at their 17th Annual Ghirardelli Fextivel 9/8-9/9/12 (today)

The main Judge, a Pastry Chef at Just Desserts in San Francisco was soo nice. He really took the time to explain why he liked my entry. Bsides the taste, he thought that the presentation was also great. That it somewhat complimented the judges also..and not something slapped together the last minute.. I made Parisian Macarons filled w/ Ghirardelli white chocolate ganache w/ rose water and fresh raspberries AND semi sweet ganache w/ toasted Hazelnuts that I toasted and grounded .. I decorated the top w/ melted white chocolate piped.. I thought that since Ghirardelli ALSO makes white chocolate, why not use both white and semi sweet. I got a gift basket worht $180.00 and a gift card for $150.00 He made my day..I am so happy today.. here is my entry :

Thank you !! I have so much chocolate. Ghirardelli gave me a LOT.. all kinds.. They have one that is 80% chocolate.. I just cannot eat that. too bitter for me, taste like dirt ) my husband likes them though